By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 10: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to take strict action against self-styled Garo Rangbah Shnong (village heads) who have allegedly assumed authority without recognition from the Hima Mylliem.
In a memorandum submitted to KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, the party also sought strong action against those involved in the assault on the Rangbah Shnong of 15 Mer village in Ri-Bhoi district.
It may be recalled that residents of 15 Mer on Thursday evening marched to the Byrnihat Police Station after their village head was assaulted by a Garo individual, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprit.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said the party has urged the District Council to penalise those misusing the title of Rangbah Shnong by issuing letters and certificates to government offices—a violation of the Mylliem Syiemship Act, 2007.
Passah added that the failure of past Executive Committees to act on earlier complaints has led to repeated incidents and warned that continued inaction could cause serious problems in the future.
He further suggested that the KHADC should write to the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner and Block Development Officers, directing them not to recognise documents signed by non-Khasi individuals claiming to be Rangbah Shnong.
Passah also highlighted a letterhead that mentioned the office of the ‘Mawiong Garo Village Dorbar’, questioning how such a body could exist within areas under the KHADC’s jurisdiction.
He alleged that the individual who assaulted the 15 Mer village head has a history of encroaching upon areas falling under the jurisdiction of Khasi villages.
